DockDoor

Product Introduction

1. DockDoor is a free and open-source macOS application that brings Windows 10-style window previews and advanced window management features to the macOS Dock. It enables users to hover over dock icons to view live previews of open, minimized, and hidden windows, with direct controls for closing, minimizing, or maximizing applications.
2. The core value of DockDoor lies in streamlining multitasking workflows by replicating familiar Windows-style window management mechanics while maintaining macOS-native functionality. It eliminates the need for third-party paid tools by providing a lightweight, privacy-focused solution for enhanced dock interaction and application switching.

Main Features

1. DockDoor displays dynamic window previews when hovering over dock icons, showing live thumbnails of open windows, including minimized and hidden instances, with resolution scaling for clarity. Users can interact directly with previews using macOS traffic light buttons (close, minimize, maximize) without activating the target window.
2. The application includes a customizable Windows-style Alt+Tab window switcher activated via Command+Tab, allowing sequential navigation through open windows with visual previews. Users can rebind shortcuts using modifier keys (Control, Option, Command) combined with custom key presses for personalized workflow integration.
3. Advanced customization options let users adjust preview size scaling, toggle window title displays, reposition traffic light buttons (left/right side), and enable dark mode theming. The app operates as a menu bar utility with resource-efficient performance, consuming under 50MB of memory during typical usage.

Problems Solved

1. DockDoor addresses macOS's limited native dock functionality, which lacks built-in window previews and forces users to right-click or use Mission Control for basic window management. It eliminates context-switching delays by enabling direct window actions from the dock.
2. The tool primarily targets power users transitioning from Windows to macOS who require familiar multitasking mechanics, as well as developers and professionals managing multiple application windows across desktops.
3. Typical use cases include quickly closing/minimizing specific browser tabs in a cluttered workspace, comparing documents side-by-side using drag-and-drop window repositioning from previews, and force-quitting unresponsive apps via Option+click without opening Activity Monitor.

Unique Advantages

1. DockDoor is the only free and open-source solution offering Windows-style dock previews on macOS, unlike paid alternatives like HyperDock. Its GitHub repository allows community-driven customization and transparency in data handling.
2. The app introduces hybrid functionality by combining macOS-native shortcuts (Command+Tab) with Windows-style window cycling logic, including thumbnail previews during switching. It supports per-app window grouping with multi-instance management for apps like Terminal or Safari.
3. Competitive advantages include zero telemetry data collection, native Swift/SwiftUI optimization for M1/M2 Macs, and Homebrew installation support. The app avoids system modifications by using public macOS APIs, ensuring compatibility with macOS Sonoma and newer versions.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

1. How do I force quit applications using DockDoor? Hold the Option (⌥) key while clicking the purple quit button in any window preview to terminate unresponsive apps. This bypasses standard quit commands and replicates macOS's "Force Quit" functionality directly from the dock.
2. Can I customize the window switcher shortcut? Yes, disable "Use default macOS keybind ⌘ + ⇥" in settings, then select a modifier key (⌃, ⌥, or ⌘) and press any key to create combinations like Control+Q. The switcher supports multi-key bindings excluding system-reserved shortcuts.
3. How do I access settings if the menu bar icon is hidden? Use Spotlight Search (Command+Space) to find "DockDoor," then select the app to reopen the settings window. Alternatively, relaunch the app from Applications > Utilities > DockDoor to restore the menu bar icon temporarily.